6 Things To Know Before You Finally Move Out And Live On Your Own

Moving out of your parents’ home is a huge step to putting yourself out there in the real world where you’ll have to buy your own groceries, do your laundry, cook yourself meals, and so much more. Sure, it may sound stressful but the thought of living by your own rules with your time on your hands are liberating.

There are so many things to think and get excited about when moving out, however, there are also a ton of stuff you need to straighten out before you pack your belongings and move out. To help you move responsibly and make living independently as smooth as it can be, here are a few important things you need to know before you make your final step.

A steady job is a necessity. You can’t possibly afford rent, utilities, bills, and other living expenses without a stable flow of income to cover for these, can you?

If you think working an entry-level job and earning so little despite your educational attainment and academic achievements are frustrating enough, wait til you start living on your own, having to pay for all your expenses with what you earn and living paycheck to paycheck.

We’re not scaring you. There’s no need to be discouraged; instead, let it be the fuel to keep you going and reach for your goals. Moving out is going to be difficult: you’ll shoulder everything (probably get a help from mom and dad here and there) but it’s all going to be worth it.

Your finances should be well and sound. Considering you’ve lived with your parents for quite some time before you move out, it’s only likely that you’ve saved up well enough for your move out decisions as well as come rainy days.

Assess your income and your expenses. From then on, adjust your finances in order for you to save up enough money for your moving expenses and emergency fund, without compromising your monthly fixed expenses such as phone bill, car expenses, and the likes.

You need to build up your living expenses. Moving out and living on your own means covering all expenses out of your own pocket. This will make you realize how wise and frugal your mom is for stretching your grocery budget.

Electricity, internet, transportation, grocery, water, gas—these are only a few of the fixed expenses you’ll need to allocate budget for monthly. That means skipping a few movie nights and sumptuous dinners to make way for these bills.

List down all your monthly living and fixed expenses to get a clear view on how much you need to put on the side; and how much there’s left to spend for your other needs or funds. If you can cut on other stuff to make way for the more important expenses, do so. Some people even work side jobs to balance out their lifestyle. Track your expenses and budget wisely.

Before you move out, set up an emergency fund. If it hasn’t been stressed out already: it’s important and a must to get your finances sorted out before you move out and live independently.

Remember, you’re going to shoulder a monthly financial burden and you’ll soon realize how your paycheck can be gone in a snap just to pay for all your living expenses. If you have extra, good for you. Always have a backup plan: an emergency or savings fund to cover for unexpected expense or circumstances such as losing your job, accidents, etc. it’s okay to call your parents for safety net but do keep in mind that moving out means looking after yourself.

You’ll need items to fill your home. This is obviously a no-brainer but for those who gets easily tempted to buy things to fill their apartment with, just don’t. And for those who do decide to move out but only carry a mattress and chair as their primary furniture pieces, you need to have more than that.

Ask your family, relatives, or friends if they have something they no longer need that you could get for hand-me-downs. For starters, you only need a decent bed, couch, dining table, and few basic appliances necessary to call your space a home.

It’s okay to ask for help. You’re making a huge step to move out and live on your own, it will be hard so don’t hesitate to call your parents or friends for assistance and advice.

How was your first time moving out experience like? What have you learned through the process? Help a stranger out. Share your experience with us!

About the author: Chie Suarez never gets tired of looking at open-house models and searching home decor and design ideas. She also writes for Wincrest Homes, a company that builds modern family homes in Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle, and Hunter Regions.